Bumped Heads

Remember the time when you thought your little tot could sit unaided at about 5 or 6 months old and the poor little mite toppled over? Or your toddler ran into the path of a swing at the park? Or your school aged child got caught when his pal swung the cricket bat? What can you do if your child has bumped their head? Here’s a step by step guide to action:

Don’t panic. Stay calm. If your child sees you remain relaxed, they are more likely to calm down.

Ice, ice, ice! If your child will let you, gently hold an ice pack to the bump (a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a tea towel works great!). This will decrease the eventual size of the bump. Apply the ice for 20 minutes and then take a 5-minute break, then 20 minutes again. Keep reassuring and comforting your child.

Observe your child. Keep them awake for at least an hour. If your child is alert and conscious, walking, talking, playing, and acting like they were before the fall, then brilliant. But keep an eye on your little one for at least 24 hours for any change. Trust your parental instincts. Mums and dads know when something is not right.

WHEN TO WORRY

Bumps on the head, don’t always require a trip to the accident and emergency department or even a call to your doctor. But you must seek medical help if your child has:

Loss of consciousness. If your child blacks out, even for a few seconds.

Vomiting.

Altered mental status. This means that your child won’t focus on you, look you in the eyes, or respond to questions or commands.

Loss of balance while walking. Many children may complain of dizziness. This is expected. But if your child actually loses balance and repeatedly falls over while walking, they need to see a doctor.

Prolonged crying. If your child continues to cry inconsolably for more than an hour.

Severe headache. If your child continues to complain of a very severe headache you should consult a doctor immediately.

When in doubt always seek medical attention.

Remember, children are prone to head bumps. Fortunately, only a minority are serious, be observant and offer tons of sympathy and cuddles!